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Thelma Johnston
THELMA MAE JOHNSTON
Cedar Rapids
Thelma Mae Johnston, 96, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Hopkinton, went home to Jesus on Aug. 12, 2017. A graveside service open to everyone will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, at the Hopkinton Cemetery. A visitation will follow the service on the grounds of the Delaware County Museum (Lenox College campus). Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello, has been entrusted with Thelma's services.
Thelma was born May 15, 1921, near West Branch, Iowa, the daughter of Tom and Luella Davis. She graduated from West Branch High School in 1938 and St. Luke's School of Nursing in 1942. On Oct. 31, 1942, she married Harlan Johnston of Hopkinton. Harlan passed away in July 1994.
Thelma and Harlan farmed until 1949, when they purchased a hardware store, plumbing and heating business in Hopkinton. In 1965, a move was made to Camp Wyoming, Wyoming, Iowa, where they became the first full-time camp administrators. In 1975, Harlan and Thelma returned to the farm home near Hopkinton, and in 1988, moved to Cedar Rapids.
Thelma's life was one of service and dedication as a nurse, a farmer's wife, business owner, bookkeeper, writer, board member, caregiver, kitchen director, church and school volunteer and most importantly, a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, aunt, sister and friend. She leaves a legacy of a strong faith in her Lord, Jesus Christ, to her children, Joyce (Jack) Sedlacek and James (Gail) Johnston of Cedar Rapids; to her granddaughters, Jennifer (Jonathan) Mickelson of North Hills, Calif., Elizabeth (Daniel) Wagner of San Diego, Calif., and Emily (Warren) Yoder of Kalona; her great-grandsons, Ethan and Micah Mickelson and Jedidiah, Isaiah and Ezekiel Wagner; and her six step-grandchildren; 11 step-great-grandchildren; four step-great-great-grandchildren; to her sister, Helen Holland of Hudson, Wis.; and many nieces and nephews.
Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, Harlan; and infant son, John; her parents; her brother, Howard Davis; and sister, Belva Vincent.
Thelma's family extends gratitude to the staff of Keystone Cedars and St. Luke's Hospice and palliative care for their great care and concern for Thelma.
Memorial donations may be made to Camp Wyoming or the Delaware County Historical Museum.
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